Breaking: Special Counsel's Investigation Expands, May Look Into Jeff Sessions

Mueller Investigating Firing of FBI Director Comey, Could Lead to Obstruction of Justice Charges

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Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation has expanded to include Paul Manafort, but it may grow further, encompassing the actions of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The Associated Press first reported Mueller "has assumed oversight of an ongoing investigation involving former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort."

Mueller, who has wide prosecutorial powers, is believed to be focused on criminal actions, including but not limited to "perjury, obstruction of justice, destruction of evidence and intimidation of witnesses," as ABC News explained last month.

But Friday afternoon's AP report includes this possible bombshell: "The investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller may also expand to look into the roles of the attorney general and deputy attorney general in the firing of FBI Director James Comey."

That means Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who had promised to recuse himself from all things related to Russia, yet saw fit to intervene in the decision to fire Comey. It also means Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller and oversees his independent investigation.

"The move to consolidate the matters indicates that Mueller is assuming a broad mandate in his new role.," the AP adds.

The firing of Comey could become the basis of an obstruction of justice charge against President Donald Trump.